DIZ Footprints Program launch, WEDNESDAY July 21

Speech for NSWALC Chairwoman Bev Manton

Thank you for that warm welcome Col, and I'd like to also thank Mr Doug Delany from DIZ Home Improvements for inviting me along this morning to the launch of the Footprints Program.

Before I start, as always, I'd like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the original custodians of this land, descendants and elders past and present.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs - the Honourable Paul Lynch...it's certainly encouraging and important to see our elected leaders in the room this morning.

It gives me great pleasure to be here today at the launch of such an impressive and forward thinking initiative and it's great to see so many people here in support and celebration this morning.

I don't know how many events I've attended in Aboriginal Affairs where the phase 'from little things, big things grow' has been used in some form or another. Let me tell you, if I had a penny for every time I've heard that old lyric, I would've landed on the oval out there in my own chopper.

But in truth, it's an appropriate phrase for so many facets of Aboriginal Affairs in this country, as it essentially tells a story about the struggle... a never ending struggle.

And never has a song lyric applied more aptly to a theme, than it does to Aboriginal education in Australia.

Now, I could refer you to the countless studies, academic reports and statistics about the enduring value of a decent learning experience... but to me, it's a bit of a no-brainer.

Put simply... our people don't just WANT and NEED decent learning opportunities... they DEMAND them.

Skills are like tools in a toolbox, and they're essential for anyone to pave their way in modern Australia - but sadly, history proves educational advancement has been a steep track to climb for many of our mob.

For too long, Aboriginal people have been cast aside and left to fight among themselves for the crumbs.

For too long, I've watched  family and friends betrayed and failed by an education system that was charged with equipping them with that all important toolbox.

And for too long, there's been a distinct lack of self-determined education FOR Aboriginal people, delivered BY Aboriginal people.

We know what is best for our children; we know what they need to learn.

But what I'm proud to see here today is the big wheel slowly grinding over, not only here in NSW, but all around Australia - where our brothers and sisters have chosen to march en-masse, to their own beat.

As the first female Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, let me tell you, people were spot on when they said, 'you never stop learning'.

In fact, (and I'm sure Minister Lynch will agree with me here), whoever coined that phrase must have served a stint in politics or Aboriginal Affairs... because the learning never stops!

But whatever it is, be it politics, farming, mechanical or clerical work, you can never stop bettering yourself and your situation.

And that why there's plenty to like about the Footprints Program we're here today to launch.

It leaves no stone unturned in its endeavour to achieve the transformative power of an all-encompassing education.

From pre-schoolers to those adults already employed or searching for work, the Footprints Program offers something for all.

It leaves no one behind, and that's a powerful element of the Program and one I believe is very worthy of mention.

It's a very Aboriginal way to educate, to leave no-one behind. The US marines think they invented the phrase: I can tell you Aboriginal people have been practising this ethic for tens of thousands of years.

Of course today, I'm sure you'd all agree, we live in a contemporary Australia that demands a hell of a lot of us all... black, white or otherwise.

It's a highly competitive environment, and one that can certainly be unkind to the disadvantaged.

That's why the lifelong learning principals and community directed capacity building that we see built into the Footprints Program are so vital.

That's why the never ending educational development of our children and grandchildren is 'priceless' in every sense of the word.

That's why the constantly changing image of modern Australia requires not only a robust educational resopnse, but a change in attitude from all corners.

For most Aboriginal people, like any other Australian, getting a job and keeping it, is the most effective way to participate in economic life.

The stability and security this act creates for our children simply can't be measured.

And of course, as we now know, the Footprints Program provides lasting job opportunities and skills' training through its work in the building industry.

That's something to highlight, encourage and celebrate here today.

It's fantastic to see such a high level of social responsibility built into the very operating practices of a commercial business.

Yet knowing the resilience of Aboriginal people, and knowing the wonderful team at Diz Homes, I can't say I'm all that surprised.

Aboriginal people will always stick together, work together and achieve together... and Footprints is a fantastic incarnation of that very principle.

It's from this very brand of industrious forward-thinking that big things really can grow...

I congratulate Diz Homes for their achievement here today, and wish the Footprints Program every success for the future...